Taylor Hicks Makes Birmingham Proud

First it was Reuben as the Birmingham "Teddy Bear", then we were ROCKED with Bo Bice and now the soulful sounds of Taylor Hicks.
This should not surprise any of us here in Alabama. After thinking about it for a while I realized that there is so much untapped talent in the Birmingham area, that we could get top honors with American Idol for years to come.
I work in a small plant of about 50 people. Out of that group of folks I know of one guy I work with that is in a fairly successful local band. I've listened to their cd's and they have a really great sound. You might recognize the name of "13 GHOSTS".
My church is filled with talented singers, who rival some of those in the top 12 easily. If you will notice, many of the more talented individuals competing have had church choir backgrounds. Fantasia being one of the many.
The South has had much to sing about. The hard times of slavery and prejudice has made it's mark with soulful songs from the heart. The self taught poor of the South developed the blues and country sounds that captures our souls. Jazz has taught us to celebrate life even when times are hard. Rock has shown our stubbornness and willingness to be different not because we can, but because we are proud to be. Then there is gospel, where the roots of our music stem from and where it continues to comfort our hearts, minds and souls.
There is no music like Southern music. It's not just something we do, it is who we are.